Setting Up Aquariums

Aquarium Choices

Choosing and setting up a tank for your fish is an important step in the process of keeping an aquarium. This will be the home your fish will inhabit and it is important to choose the correct environment for your pets. They are pets after all, and you should be just as responsible when keeping fish as with any other animal. Here are some tips to get you started in building your aquarium.

Choosing a Tank

Choosing an appropriate tank depends on how many fish you wish to keep and what size they may grow to. Usually a good rule to remember is ‘one inch per gallon’. That is, the size of the fish when fully grown to the amount of water the tank can hold. It will ensure that you do not overfill your tank causing fish to become aggressive, stressed and territorial.

The cost of the tank will depend on its size but a larger aquarium is actually better to begin with as it will allow for better water conditions. Costs vary between £50 for a very small tank(if you want just a couple of fish) and £400 for a much larger tank. Some tanks come with their display stand which usually makes them slightly more expensive. It is best to decide on what your budget is before choosing an aquarium and whether you will realistically keep this as a hobby long-term.

Never buy a tank on the same day as your fish. The water in the tank will be too fresh and the natural balance of the tank needs to be reached before adding fish. Shopping around to find the best price and size is always best and choose a pet store which has helpful and informative staff.

Setting Up the Tank

There are additional accessories which will need to be purchased to set up an aquarium. This will all add to your budget so be sure to take them into account before shopping.

Gravel or sand should be added to the bottom and any additional accessories such as plants and rocks added next. They all need to be thoroughly rinsed beforehand.

Lots of harmful bacteria can grow in a tank but there is also bacteria present within the flora in a tank which is beneficial. It is necessary to filter out the bad and keep the good so a filtration device must be fitted. Also, an air pump needs to be fitted for good circulation as the air bubbles will float to the top picking up oxygen for the fish to breathe. Pumps can cost anything from £10 to £20 and filters cost approximately the same.

The temperature of the water has to be taken into account as some fish live in cold environments whereas some live in warm water. Therefore a heater may have to added and a thermometer to keep track of the temperature. Heaters can cost £20-£30. Lights also must be added also and starter light tube packs can cost £20-£30.